Newsy
Published on Apr 22, 2016“Transcript:
The number of suicides in the U.S. has been steadily rising since 1999, especially among women.
Between 1999 and 2014, the overall suicide rate climbed 24 percent, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a rate of 13 per 100,000 people.
While rates for males remained higher, suicide among females rose 45 percent.
And among young girls between the ages of 10-14, the rate rose 200 percent to 1.5 per 100,000 people, though the number of suicides within that group still remained comparatively low.
Women ages 45-64 had the second-largest increase: 63 percent to 9.8 per 100,000 people.
The CDC report doesn’t go into what could be behind the change, but it’s worth noting the greatest increases happened between 2006 and 2014 — during and after a major economic recession in the U.S.
Counselors with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available 24/7 to help those in crisis. The number is 1-800-273-TALK.”

Ever thought about “suicide”? Why ? What was going on in your life that might’ve gave you that thought. You might be actually “currently” thinking of it right now? I thought of it “a lot” growing-up when I was in my “pre-teen” years. Why? There were many reasons (e.g. bullied, family-life, life overall, etc..). Here are some other similar related stories..

What Leads To Suicide – YouTube

Why Do People Commit Suicide? – YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNgLrHGymYc
Seeker
Published on Jun 19, 2013”
Global suicide rates are rising. In order to understand what’s going on, and how best to prevent this trend from continuing, Laci examines the underlying factors that lead people to take their own lives.”

The bridge between suicide and life | Kevin Briggs

TED
Published on May 14, 2014“For many years Sergeant Kevin Briggs had a dark, unusual, at times strangely rewarding job: He patrolled the southern end of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, a popular site for suicide attempts. In a sobering, deeply personal talk Briggs shares stories from those he’s spoken — and listened — to standing on the edge of life. He gives a powerful piece of advice to those with loved ones who might be contemplating suicide.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.
Find closed captions and translated subtitles in many languages at http://www.ted.com/translate&#8221;

Why we choose suicide | Mark Henick | TEDxToronto

Sal: I’ve talked to some “friends’ out of suicide before , which I’ve learned to just “listen” and be always “open” for God to use me. However, it wasn’t like this all the time. During high school, I had 3 classmates (one was a former close friend of mine) from my class that committed suicide. It was very difficult for me back then and somewhat still to this day as I’ve wrestled with some “thoughts” of regret (see story of forgiveness) .

I witnessed a suicide | Joseph Keogh | TEDxPSUBehrend

Finding Hope?

I found “hope” when I got to college. Suicide thoughts became a non-issue for me as I found a personal relationship with God. My friends would tell me the “good news” and I saw a lot of joy and hope in their life, which drew me to want that same “thing” they had. I would later also get a “bigger” perspective of life by listening to other people’s “more” challenging life issues. I started to realize what I was going through was “less challenging” compared to others. I learned about the blessings I really had along, which I never thought about it until I reflected how much more “grateful” and “thankful” to God more of what I have despite the “challenges” I’ve faced.

Here are some other similar stories

Powerful Testimony | How God Saves from Suicide – YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKOIXZKXqC0
Licy Be
Published on Jul 26, 2016”
A testimony of salvation and faith. Licy Be (www.licybe.com | @licybe) is now a Christian spoken word and rap artist from Kingdomcity in Perth, Australia. She has gone on to complete her Masters Degree in Applied Psychology and uses her faith and music to reach out to others who are broken and struggling with their mental health, depression and suicide.
Licy Be explains how God connects the dots in our lives and has a plan for us that is beyond our understanding. She also talks about how easy it can be to reach out to someone by faith and save a life.

You never know how your actions might affect the life of another person. God works in incredible ways and He desires to bring us closer to Him.

Suicide affects so many people, in fact 1 million people die by suicide each year. Licy Be is now on a mission in life to reach out to others struggling in order to show them that there can be hope in even the darkest of places.

A major focus of this testimony is to point people towards God, and services that are able to help at your time of need. If you need help right now, Licy Be currently partners with a number of suicide prevention and support organisations including Revolution Red & The Roar Effect (http://theroareffect.org), TheHopeLine (http://www.thehopeline.com), Youthline (http://www.youthline.co.nz), Lifeline WA (www.lifeline.org.au) and many more. It is intended that this testimony can be used as a tool around the world to raise awareness of suicide prevention via social media and other communications channels so anyone is welcome to share or use this video.
“

Can you fill the blank? What does your name mean to you? Have you ever been called “some other name” that you believed?…from a “bully”? teased/make fun of?

I remember being teased back in middle school/junior high and was called many names that I started to believe. For example, my physical features (e.g. “big eyes”, “Yoda”, “big nose”, “shorty”, “terrorist”, “you look like the enemy” (Persian Gulf War at the time), racist remarks , sexuality, etc..) weren’t the same with the people around me-who does anyways? -God has made us all uniquely-beautiful-and different! Can you relate? Feel free to boldly share your story down below or email me too.

Anyways, I started to believe in many of these “lies”..

“…Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget

Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief

My self-esteem just went lower and lower as I grew older. I would at times have “suicidal” thoughts and suffered depression. I went through a season where I even wished I was “white” like most of my peers. With all this, my hatred and anger grew, which I would keep to myself and was anti-social.

I slowly grew out of the lies starting my college years when I had a “spiritual awakening” (see personal testimony). My low self-esteem didn’t disappear overnight, but it slowly faded away as I grew in my faith and my found identity as a “child of Him (Heavenly Father)…

One last thought is we need to be careful what you put above God (e.g idols). I used to struggle with this (e.g. sports, music, celebrities, etc..), which I can share the “negative effects” on another blog topic. This will affect one’s identity, which will give you a false belief.

*NOTE: I’m not trying to be the “angel” (righteous) here, but I’ve had my share of being the “devil”. I’ve teased others too or said things that might’ve “offended” them, which some has boldly reminded me. If I have and I don’t know it, please forgive me and let me know (in person if possible or via email, phone, etc..) too! I want to learn from my mistakes.

There sits today in rulership of this fallen world order one who has grown ancient in evil, cunning in subtlety, and cruel in deceit. He waged the first war of the universe in the distant planet called heaven, and subsequently brought conflict to this little world we call earth as it spins on the outer edges of the milky-way galaxy. He filled all heaven with discord and the earth with death, and both with great sorrow. He deceptively challenged every transparent purpose of the Creator, and even coveted the throne of the Eternal, planning to either assume rule of the universe or if not, then to plunge it into chaos and ruin.
This menacing figure who has hijacked our planet well explains the presence of every conflict that disturbs our world today, every pestilence that afflicts humanity, every sorrow and pain and death that tortures the children of earth. Lucifer, the former covering cherub and one-time honorable prime minister of the angelic intelligences in Heaven, has become Satan, the great adversary of our smitten world. This powerful angel heads a vast army of unseen intelligences, the hosts of darkness who oppose in this world, every beneficent purpose of our Creator the Almighty God of the universe. He especially hates the Holy One who in great condescension assumed our human nature that He might by divine power destroy the works of Satan, conquer evil and lift the terrible sentence of eternal death from our fallen race.
To speak of a throne of evil controlling this world system is no mere figure of speech, it is a grim reality. And the occupant of that throne is no figment of anyone’s imagination. Jesus Christ ascribes to him the title of “prince of this world.” John 14: 30. The famed Christian apostle Paul describes him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.” Eph. 2: 2. Paul also warns us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness…” Eph 6:12 John the Revelator describes this foe as “the great dragon,” “that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan who deceives the whole world.” Rev. 12:9.
When the leader of revolt against the Eternal Creator was expelled from heaven, expelled along with him were many other angel intelligences who had yielded to his cunning sophistries and had joined in his unworthy rebellion. This world is today their singular abode. This is because that tremendous event, which rid heaven of the fallen hosts, was followed by the tragic fall of our first parents under Satan’s lies. This historic fall let loose legions of fallen angels to bend all of their efforts and genius over many thousands of years in the work of spoiling, corrupting and ruining the once noble human family, originally created to be the crown of God’s handiwork. A key element of the strategy to ruin humanity has been to lead man to blight and degrade the fair earth that was intended to be our perfect and eternal home.
The apostle Peter warns us “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Finally, the inspired revelator says ” Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.”

So…what “lies” have you believed? Feel free to share down below your thoughts of any of the content above. Remember, you not alone! Lastly, do you believe them still? Why or why not?

I watched the anticipating movie “Unbroken” the other day (CHRISTmas) with my parents (my grandfather was captured as a POW as a “Filipino” civilian and survived as a cook) and still absorbing the personal messages from this inspirational movie in this season in my life. I was first introduced to this real-life story (Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken”) by Neil, pastor of Harvest Community Church (Fargo, ND) and host to a weekly morning Bible study-fellowship group I attend in Morris, who gave me to read and share with one of my friends (college student from Japan renter) years ago. Unfortunately, my renter wasn’t interested in reading this book, but was inspired by the story. I got more interested in this story when Neil shared about this book was going to be movie on facebook. I’ve been looking forward to this movie since this Spring and now anxious to share about it with others.

Zamperini’s life story has taught me many life virtues (e.g. perseverance, gratefulness, commitment, and forgiveness) in this point of my life, which I’ll try to share as many of them down below. One of them is perseverance, which the stories…

Unbroken Raft Scenes Louis Zamperini WW2 – YouTube

*After watching the sequel this evening (10.4.18), I reflect on this scene and God did answer Zamperini’s prayer through the Japanese boat that “rescued” Zamperini & his comrades from the raft.

Unbroken (9/10) Movie CLIP – Don’t Look at Me! (2014) HD

… he shared of what he endured during WWII is very inspirational. I’ve read many stories from that war, which has helped me to not complain and be more grateful no matter what challenges I’m facing in my life. The sacrifices many soldiers faced (including my own parents’ country-Philippines-> Filipino Military–Bataan Uncensored Paperback – December, 1991, a must read book!) during that war helped my generation to reap the blessings we have right now. It’s important to never forgot our own history (U.S., Philippines, and any other nation), so we won’t take for granted what we are blessed with.

“If you get me through this I swear I’ll dedicate my whole life to you. Please”-Louis Zamperini (from briandoddonleadership.com)

I made a similar promise to God (Heavenly Father) before giving my life to Him back in the winter of 1996. I went skiing at a ski resort (Andes Tower Hills in Kensington, Minnesota). I went down hill skiing with a bunch of college friends (international students) and wanted to show off, so I just jumped on this chair life not knowing how far and big the hill I would be down hill skiing at. Well, when I got to the top, I realize this was higher than I thought and already forgot how to ski. I haven’t gone down hill skiing for years (should’ve gone on the smaller hill or bunny hill to get some practice). Well, this would be called, “Pride before the fall”. There was no way down but to go with my skis, so I had to fall 4x or so to finally decided to walk (after feeling my knee really swollen or hurt). I went to the ER at the local hospital (Morris, MN) and was at the X-Ray room. The doctor took an X-Ray and left the room by myself. This was when I had my “first” BIG encounter with God. I was more concerned about the financial cost of the medical expense than what happened to me physically. I then just called out to God and told Him-“God, if your real. Heal me and I”ll follow You”. Well, the doctor came back and told me that I didn’t break anything, which would be the beginning of my journey of faith (see testimony) Ever made a promise (e.g. Matthew 5:37-“Let your yes, be “YES”) with God, family, friends, etc…? I challenge and encourage you to “follow-through”!

I read and heard many stories of the atrocities in World War II and many wars before and after. Even though this movie just showed one perspective of one American’s experience. The torture that he and many others out there is very “inhumane”. Unfortunately, we as a county didn’t learn from this and still use this to this day (e.g. Shocking cases in CIA report reveal an American torture program in disarray – Spencer Ackerman in New York Tuesday 9 December 2014 ) This is an embarrassment as a nation to this world as we “preached” against inhumanitarian acts of other nations (e.g. North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, etc..).

In my response to what our nation has done and even myself (I too have “wrong” people in different ways and levels due to sin)…”forgive them for they do not know what they do”. Zamperini’s story can be applied with what’s going on today (e.g. Ferguson-we need to forgive each other for the wrong that’s been done to one another). There are “good” and “bad” cops-same with any group of people. We can’t “judge” or “stereotype” (e.g. NOT all Somolians are “evil” as the movie “Black Hawk Down” might stereotype these people group) any group because of the actions of a “few” of a group of people (e.g. race, nationality, political party, religion, institution, etc..) The real “enemy” is satan and his cronies (demons) that try to deceive and divide the human race to “fight” one another. It’s God’s love that is shared in the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ behind the message of Zamerini’sforgiveness!

Is there someone out there that has hurt (e.g. abuse) you in the past? Just as Zamperini had one-the “Bird”-was a “bully” or “tormentor” while he was Prisoner of War. When Zamperini went home after the war, he was like many veterans that would suffer from PTSD. He would have nightmares, which I too had them at times growing-up for different reasons. Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Well, Zamperini started to sleep better after his “encounter” with God at a Billy Graham Crusade and forgave his “enemy” (abuser, bully, etc..). Have you forgave that individual(s) that hurt you in the past? It’s not easy, right? You can’t do it on your own because you need that strength from God alone, which I personally (e.g. my own bully story) got when I gave my life to Him.

Billy Graham Australia & New Zealand
Published on Jan 22, 2015
After his return from WWII, Louis Zamperini was tormented by the memories of what he had experienced. Post traumatic stress led to depression and alcoholism. About to lose his marriage, Louis went to a Billy Graham crusade in Los Angeles, in 1948 and gave his life to Christ.

Part 2-Sequel

UNBROKEN 2 Official Trailer (2018) Path to Redemption, Movie HD …

-Addiction

Improving our understanding of alcohol and drug addiction hazelden.org“..What counts is embracing that moment of clarity when we realize that our lives are a mess and that we must change. Or else. And then taking action. Zamperini changed his life, and in the next 60-plus years, his story has inspired millions of people to overcome the adversity of their personal demons.

A few days after he died, another story made headlines, this one in The New York Times. It was about alternatives to the “mainstream” approach to fighting addiction through 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

From new medications to advances in science to innovative therapy, the choices people struggling with substances have are more plentiful than ever today, including pathways that aren’t based on abstinence or faith in a higher power…”

SWITCHFOOT – You Found Me – Unbroken: Path To Redemption (Official Music Video)

“..On the second night, Graham asked people to step forward to declare their faith. Louie stood up and stormed toward the exit. But at the aisle, he stopped short.

Suddenly he was in a flashback, adrift on the raft. It hadn’t rained in days, and he was dying of thirst. In anguish, he whispered a prayer:

“If you will save me, I will serve you forever.”

… Over the raft, rain began falling. Standing in Graham’s tent, lost in his flashback, Louie felt the rain on his face.

At that moment Louie began to see his whole ordeal differently. When he’d been trapped in the wreckage of his plane, somehow he’d been freed. When the Japanese bomber had shot the raft full of holes, somehow none of the men had been hit….”

If you have read this book or watched the movie, curious-what was your famous line/quote/scene in the movie? why? what did you learn? How are you applying it in your life to this day?

“Movie theater in Oakdale, Minnesota where I saw the movie “Unbroken” with parents on CHRISTmas Day“

Book

Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken – Audiobook Excerpt

Unbroken A World War II Story of Survival Resilience and Redemption Audiobook 1

Zamperini’s response to the guard’s question intrigues me, for there was nothing in his early history to suggest any church involvement. The way he had discovered he could run when he was a boy was by running from people he had stolen from, and from the law, for he was an inveterate thief. His criminal ways ended when he embarked on his running career in high school, but not because of any new moral insight—he just found a different route to satisfying his desires. So when the guard asked him, “You Christian?,” his yes answer probably had a lot more to do with culture than with spiritual reality….”

General Harris (escaped Corregidor occupation, captured in Indonesia by “natives’, etc..)
7:08 -Zamperini was found out to be an olympic runner (movie scene: forced to race)
7:10-green sauce injection (Mensaus was intended to be killed)
*see Biological https://www.facebook.com/groups/392960060797791/
-Garret (new P.O.W.) shares how he was in the same cell that Zamperini was at (17 others killed in that same island)
7:17 (sin suji-POW camp with American Red Cross regulations)
*fake, but a coal camp
7:21 (Chapter 21)
July 13th-Louis captured (same day mother sent a letter to Air Force commander to search for Louis)
7:32: Fortune teller tells Harris survived
*see https://www.facebook.com/SalPhotoVideography/photos/a.780611395287068.1073741907.443035202378024/930969090251297/?type=3&theater
7:43 “Kill all” (POW’s-5K Koreans) command-afraid Koreans would ally with Americans after Saipan lost (allowing bombers to bomb Japan)
7:51 “Doolittle raid” (escape plan cancelled due to warning of POW’s going to be executed for every escapee)
7:54 “Quack” found maps Harris hided in bed
was beaten for over an hour
Chapter 23 “Monster” (Bird)
7:57 Zamperini moved to a new camp
Chapter 24
8:16 “Bird”
8:33 Kano (compassionate Japanese guard…would tell guards to look away when POW’s were eating from the garden)
radio broadcast was only heard in South Africa (took 3 months to finally get to California due to misunderstanding of name and address)
8:37 (Chapter 25-B24)
8:48 Postman Calls (Louis alive)
B29 flying to taking pics (hope)
9:03 (Chapter 26)
Radio station changed broadcast …propoganda
(kept alive for propoganda -to embarrass America…serviced “American-style”-tempting-meal at a diner..movie scene)
Nov 27th-B29 Bombers came in bunches
9:29 “Bird” leaving (movie scene)…reign of terror over
Chapter #27-“Falling Down”

“KILL ALL” P.O.W.’s in Palawaan, Philippines…gasoline poured on soldiers in grave “massacre”….11 only escaped. 😦
American landing as false
CAMP NAOETSUhttp://www.northchinamarines.com/id35.html
9:38 “moved to another camp” due to bombing in Tokyo…witness bombed city as they transferred on a rail train to a snowy place
March 2nd 1945
“Bird” waiting for him
9:50
forced to clean pig place after being a “cleanliness” freak (used listerine after kissing girls)
10:06 (Chapter 29-200 punches)
U.S. Bomb raid by lone steel mill
Germany fell
naritsu
Louis leg healed to do coal work
Bird sick (fed bm)
10:24 moved to another camp to be “executed” (final order)
10:29 Louis holding beam in 37 minutes (movie scene)
826 B29’s raid
napalm being dropped
leaflets dropped to warn citizens to leave from the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
10:38 “Hiroshima bomb dropped (10x the light of the sun) “little boy” (tibbits) lead taste from his mouth melting from radiation emitting
Chapter #31
Hiroshima was hit by “chlorea”
one bomb hit the city (atomic-unfamiliar)
Aug. 9th 1945-Nagasaki hit by atomic bomb
“The Bird” left to prepare new camp after Louis had nightmares of him
Louis 22 bm’s
berry berry
teaching English to “bad eye” (How are you?.what the F*&% you care?)
no electricity
10:40 WAR is over
routine of walking to forrest
Aug 20th-white sky
10:52 asked POW’s to fight the “red” that took some island
announcement to bathe in river (movie scene)..engine came by (overcast sky)..torpedo bomber (American). Red code “war is over”
chocolate and cigs dropped off
pants (thought it was a man) fell from another plane (bomb cloud pic-Hiroshima-magazine) and more items dropped
Chapter #32-Cascade of Paint Peaches
10:57
wrote 700 POW’s here on sand to get planes to drop more products
11:07 U.S. Missouri-General MacArthur announced
132K POW’s (off all nations)
25% survived
37% americans died
1% of americans held by Nazi’s die

Cocoa dropped crashed and destroyed “Bird’s” office
Louis cleansed himself
Sept. 4th-date for POW’s to be transferred to Yokohama for evacuation
POW’s discovered a brothel while walking around
Fitzgerald (fingernails pulled, waterboard torture, etc..) asked for a train
Chapter 33 11:17
POW’s getting food and medical help
wasn’t listed in Red Cross list since he wasn’t listed by Japanese
143 lbs (still 17 lbs under his original weight when plane crashed)
Sylvia answered on phone (Mom)
sept. 9th 1945-mother’s day for Louis’ mom
American flag carried through entire wall (passed by American missionary to British POW in Australia??)

Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand (A World War II Story) Part 2

Meeting family and getting greeted

Part IV
Chapter 34 “Shimmering Girl”
convertible still there
3 years of CHRISTmas gifts in house
record playing of his recording (PTSD)
meeting fiance (apple)
30:52 -Chapter 35

Nightmares, story of Airforce airmen that parachuted and captured: put in a zoo cage for display
Louis drinking, public behavior,etc…
Chapter #36 50:00
4K of 5K convicted of war crimes
Kano (close to names of Japanese war criminals) was testified by soldiers (US) to be cleared
was about to write to POW soldiers..died of cancer
1:13:00 -Louis still drunk, fought with Cynthia, forbade Cynthia from going to church, thought God tried to trip him, etc..
*Good News Japan https://www.facebook.com/groups/468929606499068/
*more…http://smu.gs/1Bl61Ih

1:51 “This is your life” (Allen slipped in back, w/ CeCe, moved from New Mexico-plastic business) What he done was finally recognized…became an “open book” as Louis wasn’t mentioned.
1:54
Harris in Korean War (3/4 of his until died)
2:00 deaths of his brother (Pete, Sylvia-mother, etc..)
Bird died in 2003…never met
*peace…https://www.facebook.com/groups/639527079395556/?ref=br_tf

-Reviews

http://www.us-japandialogueonpows.org/UshioUnbroken.htm
but there are also many stories of kind, generous, compassionate Japanese, both military and civilian, who went out of their way to be good to POWs. So my readers’ reactions, whether positive or negative, are directed not toward the Japanese people as a group, but toward the specific individuals in the book.

I think the biggest reason why the book has not inspired ill-feeling against Japan is that Japanese war crimes are not the book’s theme or main subject. This is a story of survival, resilience and persistence, and the extraordinary power of forgiveness, as exemplified by one man, Mr. Zamperini. The emotion my readers express, more than anything else, is a sense of being uplifted and deeply inspired.

— When a book about Japan’s WWII history, especially one dealing with its war crimes, became a bestseller in the US, the first reaction from some Japanese people often is to question the accuracy of the content. Many reviewers in the US praised your thorough research. Can you describe how you went about researching for this book?
*Japan WWII https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.654965537895473&type=1

I have been pondering about this topic lately on “getting rid of self-focus” (e.g. self-pity). When we tend to focus on ourselves (e.g. pondering about our past: mistakes, hurts, etc..), we forget about whose (e.g. God, family, friends, etc..) around us. Do you ever get this? Do you feel this can be a distraction (e.g. staring down or hitting more obstacles that can be avoided in life) to “moving-on” or “moving ahead” in (a fulfilling) life?

Distractions In Life – Everything

“This is a slideshow I made being deeply moved by the Lifehouse Skits’ posted here, on Godtube and many other video-hosting sites. Sometimes, when we fail, we ignore God’s helping hand and instead seek these things, unknown to the fact that they bring us down even lower. We fall to them, we get attached to them and ultimately, get destroyed by them. Only God’s unfailing love can wash us from these sins and inspire us to move on. Only in God’s presence can we find true joy, peace and everlasting love.”

A friend was telling me he was struggling with his diabetes as he just keeping eating foods that he knows he shouldn’t be eating. I told him, do you want to see your grand kids grow-up? For me, if I was him, I would love to grow old as I can to see them until God takes me to Heaven with Him. I have had this conversation with many others who tell me that they don’t care if they die early because of current circumstances. I share that I would love to live as long as I can because life is worth living for. Thus, this is just an extra motivation to taking care of my health. How about you?

This friend kept on repeating that he can’t do it on his own. I then (light bulb pop out as I was reminded that I was asking God earlier to show me how I can be used by Him today-was helping this friend with an outdoor painting project) shared, I know you can’t do it on your own because you need God’s help! I told him everybody has an addicion or some addictions. I then shared (e-mailed this to him this morning to make sure he remembers!) my own story of how I’ve been able to overcome (just one of my addictions) my “border-line” diabetes (see story) diagnosed 2-3 years ago.

I shared this “open door” (sharing my life) story at my local church this morning, which I wasn’t able to share that we can’t let these family health (e.g. sin) history repeat itself. Yes, diabetes has been in my family for generations, but I’m not going to let that happen to me-no matter what statistics are out there. I’m a “new creation” in Christ and everything started new when I came to Christ in 1996 (see personal testimony). What has helped me to overcome diabetes and other addictions in life is using the “tools” (Bible verses-see down below) through prayer (e.g. fasting regularly-sometimes once a week from certain foods) that God has equipped me over the years growing in my personal relationship. For example, one of my favorite quoted verses is Galatians 5…

“…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit…

Earlier this weekend (Sunday, September 20th of 2009), I heard this short message from my local Christian radio on “Using the tools (e.g. what’s mentioned in the Bible) God has given us”..One can be the most physical strongest person as a construction worker, but if he/she doesn’t have the tools (e.g. hammer) -that own strength is worthless in constructing a house, building, or any construction project. This analogy shows our true self that we can’t do things in life on our own, we need to use the “tools” the God has given us to handle our daily life’s “projects” or “challenges”. Next time you come up with a “project” that seem impossible, just remember to ask God for the “tools” to use to overcome them.

DRUGS

Drug Addict Turns to a New God – YouTube

ILLEGAL STREET DRUGS

Cocaine

An addict’s story: Cocaine and the crash Liz Barnes, Special to The Citizen Jan 1, 2013 auburnpub.com“…It started out with me selling. I loved money; figured I could sell a little cocaine. I didn’t use. I had a child to consider. I looked respectable. I owned a house far from here, was a “white girl” who dressed and talked nice. So who better? The professionals wanted to do business with a safe bet, not go to the ghetto. Ha. Like I was better than a black guy on a corner. Pretty soon, a major supplier and I got together and I began dealing weight. Still not using. Making the bucks.
..”

Testimony of Deliverance from Crack Cocaine

Movie: How Jesus Delivered Me From Crack Cocaine Addiction

Christian Willie Henderson
Published on May 15, 2013
I was addicted to crack cocaine for 20 years. I went in and out of numerous drug rehabs only to fail each time at recovery. One day I was reading the Bible and noticed in Luke 4:1-13 that each time the devil tried to tempt Jesus, Christ responded, “it is written” followed by the promises of God to deliver him. So, I tried it and to my suprise my struggle with the temptation to smoke crack and drink alcohol was soon over!

Meth

WHAT IS CRYSTAL METH? drugfreeworld.org“..Crystal meth is short for crystal methamphetamine. It is just one form of the drug methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is a white crystalline drug that people take by snorting it (inhaling through the nose), smoking it or injecting it with a needle. Some even take it orally, but all develop a strong desire to continue using it because the drug creates a false sense of happiness and well-being—a rush (strong feeling) of confidence, hyperactiveness and energy. One also experiences decreased appetite. These drug effects generally last from six to eight hours, but can last up to twenty-four hours…”

Jayson’s Meth Addiction Destroys Family | True Stories of … – YouTube

Detox To Rehab
Published on Mar 17, 2017
Jayson was an athlete who experimented with drugs since he was young. After struggling with his relationship with his wife and children, Jayson’s alcohol and drug addiction began to spiral out of control. Once he started doing meth his life took a different direction. Find out what he did to prevail through the chaos

My Story of Recovery – Episode 1 – The Grips of Meth Addiction …

Facing His Dragons“..“Dad was smoking marijuana pretty regular,” David said. “He played music in a honky-tonk bar. He taught me how to smoke it, educated me on how to hold the smoke in my lungs for it to be effective and make you high. And that was really a turning point in my life, I believe.”

As he grew older, he began using cocaine and speed. Then he discovered methamphetamine.

“The first time I tried it, I knew that was going to be my drug of choice,” David said.

After one failed marriage, he married Amy. As their family grew, she tried to get him to give up the drugs. But things just got wors..”

My testimony: from meth to Jesus – YouTube

Robby Alexander
Published on Feb 18, 2015
Sharing this in hopes it will help someone. May God be the glory.

I AM CRYSTAL METH: A TESTIMONY OF THE POWER OF GOD …https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=1BEMF1NU
A message from Chained To Be Free Ministries as a testimony of how God rescued and delivered him from the addiction and bondage to methamphetamine that almost destroyed his life before he went to prison. Read along with him the poem written in jail by a young girl who died from an overdose after her release with a needle still in her arm from crystal meth!

Ice/Meth addict finds Jesus and learns how to blast demons – YouTube

PRESCIBTION MEDS

Painkillers

The Effects of Hydrocodone Use drugabuse.com“…Hydrocodone is a prescription medication sold under multiple brand names, such as:
•Vicodin.
•Norco.
•Lortab.

The aforementioned trade names are combinations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Other trade formulations also exist that are hydrocodone in combination with other analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.

Doctors prescribe this opioid drug for its pain relief and cough suppressant qualities.
..”Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse narconon.org“..In most cases, addiction is accompanied by a deterioration in personal integrity. It takes many unethical or criminal acts to maintain an addiction over time—either expenditure of large amounts of personal money or thefts, prescription fraud, doctor-shopping or other crimes, to get the drugs that are needed. A fentanyl addict normally has secrets from most or all of the people they encounter regularly. If the thefts are from a workplace, as often happens, they will be living a secret life while at work. Hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes are often the sites of fentanyl theft by desperate employees…”American Addict
Runtime: 90m 15s | Release date: 2013 fmtv.com“…Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Heath Ledger, Phillip Seymour Hoffman…famous names that share a common tragedy. America has 5% of the world’s population and yet consumes 80% of the world’s prescription narcotics. American Addict reveals the connections between government regulators, big pharmaceutical companies, physicians, and the media. Together, they reinforce treatment through prescribed medication. In the style of the “Inside Job” and “Food, Inc.”, this film exposes a shocking hypocrisy most are unaware even exists…”